Monsoon Session: Gujarat Assembly Opens With Anti-Superstition Bill; Four More Bills To Be Tabled

As part of this focus, an anti-superstition bill was unanimously passed on the first day of the monsoon session. The main objective of this bill is to eradicate ignorance and superstitions from society and promote social awareness.

Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi presented the bill, stating, "This law will eliminate evil practices like black magic and human sacrifices in Gujarat".

According to the provisions of the bill, anyone involved in heinous acts like black magic could face imprisonment ranging from six months to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 50,000.

Legislative Agenda: Anti-corruption Measures

During the three-day monsoon session, the government plans to introduce a total of five bills. One of these bills aims to expedite the disposal of vehicles seized in cases related to the sale of alcohol or intoxicating substances.

Additionally, two other bills are related to amendments in central laws. These bills have already been approved by the state government's cabinet at a meeting held earlier.

According to the information received so far, the government is also preparing a bill that would take strong action against corruption and set an example for corrupt individuals. This bill is expected to include provisions for confiscating property even of Class I officers.

It is reported that provisions are also being brought in to prevent employees and officers caught in anti-corruption bureau (ACB) traps from escaping penal action due to a lack of evidence. The bill would grant more power to the ACB to take action against corrupt employees and officers.

As soon as a case of disproportionate assets is filed, the government will be able to confiscate all properties involved. Corrupt officers have been investing in valuable land and farmhouses. Previously, in cases of disproportionate assets, the government had to go through lengthy court procedures to confiscate such property.

After this bill is passed, once a case is filed, the government will be able to immediately confiscate the alleged disproportionate assets, and bail will be made more difficult.

Amendments to Prohibition Law

The government is also planning to amend the prohibition law to impose financial penalties on those involved in the sale of alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicating substances. This measure will also increase government revenue through the auction of vehicles seized in such cases.

The Gujarat Prohibition Amendment Bill 2024 will be presented before the Assembly. Under the existing law, vehicles seized in cases of alcohol or drug trafficking cannot be auctioned by the government until the final court verdict. However, with this amendment, the government will be able to auction the vehicles before they become obsolete.

The Revenue Department will also introduce a bill with legal amendments regarding the demarcation of agricultural and non-agricultural land. This bill will bring clarity to issues related to agricultural land conversion.

Besides, in line with the central government's Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Act passed last year in Parliament, the state government will present a bill in the Assembly with appropriate amendments during this session.